RALEIGH — Work will begin next week on a project to improve and expand the life of the westbound U.S. 158 Wright Memorial Bridge over the Currituck Sound at the Currituck and Dare County line.

Starting Monday, Sept. 16, the N.C. Department of Transportation will close the westbound bridge and shift all traffic onto the U.S. 158 East bridge in a two-lane, two-way pattern. The westbound bridge will reopen no later than May 15, 2014.

This closure will allow crews with G.A. & F.C. Wagman Inc. of York, Pa. to replace the top portion of the existing concrete on the bridge deck with a layer of latex-modified concrete that will smooth out humps in each span of the bridge and provide a better riding surface. In addition to this work, expansion joints, which enable a bridge to expand and contract with the weather, will have their seals replaced during the project.

The shift will begin for westbound traffic just before the intersection of U.S. 158 and S. Dogwood Trail/Woods Road. Traffic will go from two lanes down to one and will be shifted into the right lane of eastbound U.S. 158 at the intersection with Martins Point Road/Barlow Lane, creating the two-lane, two-way pattern that will continue across the eastbound bridge. Once westbound traffic reaches the west side of the sound, it will be shifted back into the westbound lanes of U.S. 158 at the intersection with Holly Lane/Swan Circle.

A $6.3 million contract was awarded in June for this preservation project, which will also eliminate conditions causing trucks and other large vehicles to bounce and potentially damage the bridge. It will also enhance repairs made to the bridge previously by increasing the amount of concrete over the bridge’s steel structure.

Due to the nature of the materials used in this project, work involving the latex-modified concrete overlay will only be done when air temperatures are between 50 and 85 degrees, surface temperatures are between 40 and 85 degrees, and wind speeds are no greater than 10 miles per hour.

Should a hurricane or other severe storm impact this region of the state requiring an evacuation, NCDOT will work closely with local emergency management officials to coordinate appropriate routes, including using U.S. 64 and the eastbound bridge on U.S. 158.

This project is part of the department’s overall bridge program to improve the condition of the state’s bridges. Investments in our transportation infrastructure provide better access and support economic growth across the state.

If work is not completed by May of 2014, crews will reopen the bridge to traffic with plans to close it again in September 2014 to finish the project.

Motorists are advised to use caution while traveling in the area and to expect delays. NCDOT reminds motorists to watch signs for construction information, stay alert and obey the posted speed limit.

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